CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA
WHO WE ARE
The Creative Cornerstone is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
We exist to provide youth with access to creative education, mentorship, and real-world media production experiences that build confidence, discipline, and opportunity. Our programs are supported through grants, donations, partnerships, and community support to ensure long-term access to creative pathways for youth and families.s.S.
OUR MISSION
EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH MEDIA
We empower youth through hands-on media education that builds creative, technical, and life skills. By providing access to mentorship, professional tools, and supportive learning environments, we help young people develop confidence, discipline, and pathways toward meaningful opportunities in creative industries and beyond.
OUR VISION
EXPANDING ACCESS TO CREATIVE FUTURES
We empower youth through hands-on media education that builds creative, technical, and life skills. By providing access to mentorship, professional tools, and supportive learning environments, we help young people develop confidence, discipline, and pathways toward meaningful opportunities in creative industries and beyond.
OUR VALUES
GUIDED BY CREATIVITY, EQUITY, COMMUNITY
Our values center on creativity, equity, and community. We prioritize inclusion, accountability, collaboration, and real-world learning experiences. By nurturing curiosity and responsibility, we encourage youth to grow as artists, leaders, and contributors who respect their voices, peers, and the communities they serve.
OUR MISSION
EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH MEDIA
We empower youth through hands-on media education that builds creative, technical, and life skills. By providing access to mentorship, professional tools, and supportive learning environments, we help young people develop confidence, discipline, and pathways toward meaningful opportunities in creative industries and beyond.
OUR VISION
EXPANDING ACCESS TO CREATIVE FUTURES
We empower youth through hands-on media education that builds creative, technical, and life skills. By providing access to mentorship, professional tools, and supportive learning environments, we help young people develop confidence, discipline, and pathways toward meaningful opportunities in creative industries and beyond.
OUR VALUES
GUIDED BY CREATIVITY, EQUITY, COMMUNITY
Our values center on creativity, equity, and community. We prioritize inclusion, accountability, collaboration, and real-world learning experiences. By nurturing curiosity and responsibility, we encourage youth to grow as artists, leaders, and contributors who respect their voices, peers, and the communities they serve.
OUR IMPACT IN THE COMMUNITY
ROOTED IN ACCESS. BUILT FOR CREATIVE FUTURES.
The Creative Cornerstone is a Charlotte-based nonprofit dedicated to teaching media arts to youth from underserved communities across Mecklenburg County. Through hands-on creative workshops, summer camps, and community showcases, we provide young people with real-world creative skills, mentorship, and a platform to share their voices through visual storytelling and media production.
60+
youth served through workshops, camps, and programs
250+
community members reached through youth showcases and public events
3+
core creative disciplines offered: film & visual arts, audio production, and acting & communication
100%
of programs centered on hands-on creative skill development
A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDERS
BRIDGING DREAMS AND OPPORTUNITY
We started our work in Charlotte’s creative community with a simple belief: when young people are given access to tools, mentorship, and opportunity, they rise.
Through The Creative Cornerstone, our commitment is to bridge the gap between creativity and opportunity by providing youth with hands-on media education, real-world exposure, and support that extends beyond a single program.
Our work is rooted in community, fueled by creativity, and focused on long-term impact.
AJ & QUEEN WILLIAMS
Founders, The Creative Cornerstone
OUR PROGRAMS
Our programs are designed to meet youth where they are offering accessible, engaging, and skill-based learning experiences in creative media.
CREATIVE WORKSHOPS
Our creative hands-on workshops focused on cinematography, photography, sound, and visual storytelling.
SUMMER CAMP
Immersive creative camps centered on filmmaking and photography, with music and media production as supporting skills.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Partnerships with schools and organizations to deliver creative education and mentorship to youth across Mecklenburg County.
LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP
MEET THE
TEAM➡
The Creative Cornerstone is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors committed to accountability, governance, and long-term sustainability.
AJ WILLIAMS
Co-Founder - Creative Director
AJ Williams is the Founder and Creative Director of Creativity Evolved Studios. His background includes photography, film production, and storytelling, with experience ranging from music videos to documentary work. AJ mentors youth by teaching technical skills while encouraging confidence, creativity, and discipline through hands-on learning.
QUEEN WILLIAMS
Co-Founder- Executive Director
Queen Williams serves as Executive Director of The Creative Cornerstone. She brings experience in creative operations, nonprofit work, and community engagement. Queen leads program development and partnerships while ensuring the organization remains focused on impact, access, and youth empowerment.
MIRIAM WILLIAMS
Board Secretary - Acting Treasurer
Miriam Williams brings over two decades of experience in business operations, financial management, and technology support. Based in Atlanta, GA, she has built a multifaceted career spanning real estate, consulting, and IT systems analysis. Miriam provides strategic oversight, financial stewardship, and operational guidance to support The Creative Cornerstone’s mission and long-term sustainability.
KEYA HAMILTON
Board Member
Keya Hamilton is an actor, writer, and director with a background in theater and film. She is best known for her role in the Hallmark movie Christmas in Harmony and transitioned into film directing in 2022. As the founder of Key Casting and Productions, Keya brings creative leadership, storytelling expertise, and industry insight to The Creative Cornerstone while supporting emerging artists and youth creatives.
MIRIAM WILLIAMS
Board Secretary - Acting Treasurer
Miriam Williams brings over two decades of experience in business operations, financial management, and technology support. Based in Atlanta, GA, she has built a multifaceted career spanning real estate, consulting, and IT systems analysis. Miriam provides strategic oversight, financial stewardship, and operational guidance to support The Creative Cornerstone’s mission and long-term sustainability.
KEYA HAMILTON
Board Member
Keya Hamilton is an actor, writer, and director with a background in theater and film. She is best known for her role in the Hallmark movie Christmas in Harmony and transitioned into film directing in 2022. As the founder of Key Casting and Productions, Keya brings creative leadership, storytelling expertise, and industry insight to The Creative Cornerstone while supporting emerging artists and youth creatives.
OUR COMMITMENT
WE BELIEVE CREATIVITY BUILDS CONFIDENCE, DISCIPLINE, AND OPPORTUNITY
The Creative Cornerstone is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Our programs are supported through grants, donations, partnerships, and community support to ensure continued access to creative education for youth across Mecklenburg County.